The Council on Academic Affairs passed two “alternative certification” courses, but postponed three others for further discussion next meeting.

The first course was EDU 4550, which is the only online course offered of the “alternative certification” courses.

“This course makes it possible for individuals to interact and learn about the professionalism of being a teacher using a Web-designed course,” said James Kestner, coordinator of the College of Educational and Professional Studies.

The second course CAA approved was EDU 4560, which is the first part of a two-part internship. This course applies the theory and practice gained from intensive study of actual teachers, Kestner said.

Approval of one of the courses, postponed until next meeting due to lack of information and confusion on the transfer of credit and course work hours, was EDU 4551, a foundation of teaching course that deals with the sociological and psychological theories of teaching, Kestner’s proposal stated.

A vote on EDU 4552, a general teaching methods course, also was postponed. The course will address Illinois professional teaching standards on general methods.

EDU 4553 is another proposed course awaiting approval. This third and final module of the “alternative certification” program is a problem-based learning approach to the study of career and technical education, the proposal stated.

The CAA will meet again Dec. 5, and the council will resume discussion on the postponed items from the agenda.